Chapter 54: Chapter 54

Chapter 54: Someone Else Should Do It

Guyang Je's injuries were severe, making even speaking difficult.

Yet he squeezed his throat declaring once more.

"The Black Path King is Deputy Branch Leader Gong Pilsang."

The ripple his words created was tremendous.

The hall filled with martial artists—each opened mouths as confusion intensified. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel·fiɾe·net

"Didn't he say Gong Pilsang?"

"Isn't that different from the Ink Sword Hero's words? Could that fellow Guyang Je be lying?"

"For what reason? He'll die soon anyway."

Guyang Je smiled bitterly at the martial artists' words.

Because even feeling himself, not much life remained.

Looking at Hwangbo Gak, he wore that customary slippery smile. Clearly expected Guyang Je would name Gong Pilsang.

The reason was only one.

'Hwangbo Gak, from the moment you subdued me, you're the true and rightful Black Path King. Do your utmost for the Demon King.'

Because Guyang Je was a Demonic Cult member.

The Cult hands down teachings, cult members follow teachings.

Though depth of belief and following differs by person, Guyang Je was a loyal Demonic Cult member.

He devoted all loyalty to the Cult that granted him new life. To be even more loyal, he wanted to become Black Path King. Wasn't only because of ambition.

However, he'd already failed, been exposed, and suffered fatal injuries.

Even receiving some suspicion, could escape.

Could still help the Demon King of the Water Vein.

Therefore, to save the detestable Hwangbo Gak, he named Gong Pilsang.

'With this, I've done my part. For the time of world destruction. For the day when beast's fangs and claws will tear all human restraints.'

For the day our Demon King becomes Heavenly Demon.

Guyang Je closed his eyes slowly lowering his head.

Now the last in this world—

The Ink Sword Hero's pressure point touch held Guyang Je's lifeline.

"Not yet. Not yet. Try enduring more."

"Keuuuk. Bastard Jin Yeomyeong."

Death was delayed but pain increased—pressing only such pressure points.

Why suddenly torture, he wondered.

Jin Yeomyeong asked so everyone could hear.

"Describe the life-and-death duel's aspects. Was Deputy Branch Leader Gong Pilsang's martial arts at a level to suppress your demonic arts? Also, if you fought him, you'd know what martial arts Deputy Gong uses?"

Martial artists listened again.

The Ink Sword Hero's question was extremely accurate. If they waged life-and-death duel, he'd have no choice but to know.

That is, if he couldn't answer this, meant Guyang Je was lying.

"He weakened me with Qi-Dispersing Poison. At first used weapons but both dropped from hands. His weapon was a mace. After, subdued me with whip hand and delivered fist strikes."

Then described the duel's aspects in more detail.

"Doesn't it match perfectly?"

"Right. Definitely Gong Clan's Thirteen Forms. Deployed with blade and hand."

"Without fighting, could he speak this detailed?"

"Can't. That's definitely from fighting."

Martial artists familiar with Gong Pilsang's martial arts shook heads heavily.

This time the Ink Sword Hero was wrong.

Since he touched Hwangbo Gak, there'll be great future trouble.

Thoughts flashing through martial artists' minds.

Ttubbeok ttubbeok—Hwangbo Gak's footsteps rang in the hall.

He deliberately made sounds slowly advancing to the hall's center.

Martial artists' gazes also moved slowly following him.

Now what words would he say?

Would he rebuke the Ink Sword Hero? Perhaps immediately order binding?

What Hwangbo Gak actually said was unexpected.

"Jianghu brethren everyone. Don't worry. All this is merely a mistake the Ink Sword Hero committed in the heroic conduct process."

Expression overflowing with magnanimity.

Comfortable, resonant good voice.

"Since it happened while chasing Black Path and Demonic Cult, how could I be angry? I'll pass over everything without question."

Ooooo—admiration flowed among martial artists.

"Knew Branch Leader Hwangbo was magnanimous!"

"Passing over such a matter isn't possible with ordinary tolerance!"

"Means it's fine if for heroic conduct!"

Of course, martial artists who'd been with Jin Yeomyeong still had unconvinced expressions, but was useless.

No words to say. No substitute evidence either.

Hwangbo Gak savored perfect victory.

Rather became opportunity for his reputation to rise. His position would become even more solid. Must be careful for a while, but even that would disappear as time passed.

He looked down at Guyang Je.

'Die at ease. I'll reign over Luoyang.'

This time he looked at Jin Yeomyeong.

He'd even closed his eyes at defeat with no recourse.

'Jin Yeomyeong, quite sharp but that's your limit. You never fought the Cult twenty years ago. So wouldn't have known what choices loyal cult members make.'

Couldn't have predicted Guyang Je's choice.

Hwangbo Gak looked around the assembly.

"Can't just pass over everything."

Didn't he say he'd pass over without question?

While martial artists wondered—

"Should receive at least an apology."

This matter concludes with Jin Yeomyeong's apology.

Martial artists also nodded.

Can't help but do that much. No, must do it.

Didn't he accuse the Branch Leader of being Demonic Cult?

"How about it? Ink Sword Hero. Now stop closing your eyes and do what must be done."

Whatever you're thinking inside, whatever thoughts you have, endure and apologize.

Hwangbo Gak held back bursting laughter looking at Jin Yeomyeong—

Jin Yeomyeong who'd been spreading Eight Sensations opened his eyes.

"Now, quickly apologize—"

"Guyang Je's words are lies."

Jin Yeomyeong was resolute.

And raised one finger pointing outside the hall.

Martial artists' gazes also followed outside the hall.

People blocking the view also moved aside on their own.

"Heo-dul, heo-dul, heo-dul. Almost here. Cheonjo, use more strength!"

"Heuek, Master Kwak. I didn't train much in external arts."

Kwak Daebang and Yang Cheonjo including several people were entering the Alliance carrying something huge.

"Heo-dul, heo-dul, heo-dul."

They came straight into the main hall as is.

"Now, Ink Sword Hero. Should we put it down here?"

"Good, Brother Kwak. That position is perfect."

Deolgeok—the brought item blocked the door entering the main hall.

"To carry such a big thing. The hardship must have been considerable."

"But what are those fist marks on that wall?"

While martial artists conversed, only two people's faces—Guyang Je and Hwangbo Gak—lost color.

"Now, my turn again."

Jin Yeomyeong smiled at Hwangbo Gak—sssik.

Instead of Hwangbo Gak who didn't answer, this time Jin Yeomyeong stepped to the main hall's center.

Acting so magnanimous.

Let me properly demolish you.

"The place we found Guyang Je was a stone chamber inside the tunnel."

A tunnel that couldn't be buried in time due to sudden attack.

Extracted Guyang Je at death's door from there.

"After removing Guyang Je from inside the stone chamber, I discovered something strange."

Since removed outside, Guyang Je didn't know the situation after.

"As you see, this wall—this was precisely the strange thing."

Called relatively healthy miners. Got advice so it wouldn't collapse even if removed whole, then removed the wall.

"Now look. This wall precisely contains traces of Guyang Je and Black Path King's fight."

Both Hwangbo Gak and Guyang Je lied.

Only the wall was announcing truth.

By showing deeply carved fist marks.

"Deputy Branch Leader, please come out and show your fist?"

"Me? Ah, right. Here's my fist. Everyone look your fill."

Martial artists confirmed the fist.

Wasn't it. Even if called fist wind rather than actual fist, the shape differed from the marks.

A very simple question.

He didn't particularly look at Hwangbo Gak, but the conclusion was already out.

All martial artists' eyes were directed toward Hwangbo Gak's fist.

That huge fist—whether it should stay as is, or clasp hands behind back—twitched not knowing where it belonged.

The wall still revealed truth.

How strikes were delivered.

Each power-containing strike fiercely drove in leaving clear marks on the wall.

Though couldn't know techniques, those who'd recognize recognized.

"Heavenly King Divine Fist."

One martial artist said like a lament.

"That's right. Heavenly King Divine Fist."

Hwangbo Clan's family martial arts. Fist technique deployed based on characteristic divine power.

Hwangbo Gak looked at the wall vacantly.

Evidence—unmovable huge evidence stood there.

The final declaration wasn't his but Jin Yeomyeong's.

"Hwangbo Gak who colluded with Demonic Cult. Immediately kneel and receive binding."

A stern final declaration.

The Ink Sword Hero's words were right.

Martial artists in the main hall were no longer confused.

"No. Everyone get a grip. This is fabricated evidence."

Belatedly Hwangbo Gak tried salvaging but was useless.

Now no one was swayed by his words.

Jin Yeomyeong shook his head.

"Doesn't make sense. If fabricated, who carved Heavenly King Divine Fist into this stone wall? Another Hwangbo Clan person?"

From Hwangbo Gak's mouth that had been escaping like a loach, finally a single groan flowed.

Cha cha cha chak—martial artists surrounded Hwangbo Gak.

"No, no... Alliance members, what are you doing? Jin Yeomyeong plotted evil. Protect me!"

Ta ta tak—even Alliance members joined Hwangbo Gak's encirclement.

Luoyang martial world's condemnation flew toward him.

"Someone who's Alliance Branch Leader colluded with Demonic Cult!"

"A Hwangbo Clan member! Despite suffering such damage in the fight twenty years ago!"

"Truly a rat bastard!"

Hwangbo Gak swept those surrounding him.

To me, Luoyang's Black Path King.

If the plan succeeded, those who'd have knelt at my feet or whose heads would have rolled.

However, unlike inner feelings, his mouth brought out poor excuses.

"The fist marks are from when I personally infiltrated fighting..."

This time too, Jin Yeomyeong shook his head.

"Also doesn't make sense. Then Guyang Je has no reason to protect you. No, if such a thing in the first place, what reason was there for you not appearing before us and avoiding?"

Hwangbo Gak inwardly lamented.

So that's why he didn't bring the wall in from the start. Did he predict how Guyang Je would come out?

How does Jin Yeomyeong know Demonic Cult members' way of thinking?

Martial artists' denunciations continued.

"Why would Demonic Cult protect him? The reason is one!"

"Because he's a collaborator! Because he's a rat bastard!"

Eyes also met with Guyang Je.

Even after doing this, you failed? Are you better than me?

Eyes containing cold mockery.

Eventually, had no choice but to acknowledge.

I—completely fell into Jin Yeomyeong's trap?

To him looking vacant, Jin Yeomyeong threw one more remark.

"The conclusion is out, Hwangbo Gak. You're not a Hwangbo Clan member, not Murim Alliance Branch Leader—"

One remark revealing identity.

Hwangbo Gak screamed as if suffering sword wounds.

"Shut up! Rat bastard! This is all Jin Yeomyeong's fabrication. All fabrication!"

Whether he'd lost reason, he strode toward outside.

But the encirclement wouldn't stay still.

"Hwangbo Gak. Where are you going?"

"Obediently receive binding and enter Thunder Prison."

That moment, Hwangbo Gak swung his fist.

Fierce momentum fist strike.

Martial artists simultaneously raised hands blocking.

The encirclement surged once.

"I'll present myself to the Alliance revealing truth! Can't trust here since everyone's on Jin Yeomyeong's side! I'll go on my own feet, so everyone stand back!"

The encirclement tightened again.

"Everyone be careful! Seeing the wall's fist marks, Hwangbo Gak was hiding his true ability."

"They say one usually only reveals seventy percent of ability. Considerable martial prowess."

"Must properly surround."

At this time when absolutely couldn't escape—

"Will you pressure me relying on numbers? Anyone confident, step forward!"

Hwangbo Gak threw provocation.

A weakness of martial artists, if a weakness.

As people who train martial arts throughout life, they hate hearing they won by relying on many.

Masters exchanged glances with each other.

But didn't step forward readily.

"Here's Silver Hero Yang Cheon—, mmph!"

"Be quiet. Someone else should fight."

Yang Cheonjo tried showing off but Sang Jinhwa grabbed his mouth.

Everyone didn't step forward rashly.

Not because they feared Hwangbo Gak.

"The person to do that work..."

An unprecedented situation of Luoyang martial world detaining Murim Alliance Branch Leader.

The person to do that work—

the man all martial artists were now looking at.

"Seems it's my part."

Ink Sword Hero Jin Yeomyeong.

Taebok, your father became someone who even fights the Murim Alliance.

But you shouldn't do that.